Mexican oil company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) has opened its first gas station in the United States in Houston, Texas, with four more to follow later this month.

The franchised stations will be self-service and not sell gas imported from Mexico.

The move stems from the new regulations permitting greater competition in Mexico’s oil sector.

From next year, foreign firms will be able to operate service stations in Mexico, selling gas from whatever source they choose. In 2017, companies will be permitted to import refined oil products into Mexico. All price controls on gasoline and diesel will be scrapped by 2018.